2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Acura RDX

$40,860 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between roomy utility and upscale refinement often stumps crossover shoppers. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander leans heavily into sheer size and budget friendliness, starting at $40,860, while the 2026 Acura RDX asks for a $4,240 premium, landing at $45,100. You immediately notice the scale difference: the Grand Highlander is a massive 201.4 inches long, which pays dividends in cargo, offering a slightly smaller 20.6 cu ft behind the third row compared to the RDX's surprisingly large 29.5 cu ft (assuming the RDX's measurement is total or with seats down, as crossovers this size usually vary greatly). Power-wise, they are close; the RDX boasts 272 hp versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp. However, the Toyota runs happily on regular unleaded, potentially saving more money over the long run compared to the RDX's premium fuel recommendation, despite both achieving a similar 24 combined MPG rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Its lower initial MSRP of $40,860 and ability to use regular unleaded fuel make it gentler on the wallet for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Its greater physical dimensions (201.4 inches long) strongly suggest superior passenger and three-row practicality, a primary need for most families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

The Acura offers slightly more horsepower at 272 hp and utilizes a sophisticated 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a slightly sharper driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Saving $4,240 upfront while still delivering strong performance (265 hp) offers better immediate cost-to-utility value.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

Maximum cabin space and a lower base price are absolute top priorities for your vehicle.
You prefer using readily available and less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
You need the longer vehicle footprint (201.4 inches) for passenger or storage reasons.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You want the responsiveness of a 10-speed transmission and slightly higher 272 hp output.
All-wheel drive capability is mandatory for your typical driving conditions.
You prioritize the Acura's reputation for premium materials and sharper driving dynamics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Acura RDX
Length	201.4"	187.4"
Width	78.3"	74.8"
Height	70.1"	65.7"
Wheelbase	116.1"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Acura RDX.

How significant is the size difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches long compared to the 2026 Acura RDX's 187.4 inches. This 14-inch difference usually translates directly into greater third-row passenger comfort or bulkier overall utility.

Is the premium fuel requirement of the Acura RDX a major ongoing cost concern?

Yes, because the RDX recommends premium unleaded, unlike the Grand Highlander which uses regular, owners will incur higher refueling costs over time, even though their combined MPG is very close at 23 and 24, respectively.

Which vehicle provides better immediate cost savings?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins clearly on initial expenditure, saving a buyer $4,240 with its $40,860 MSRP compared to the Acura's $45,100 starting price.

Despite the size difference, how do the cargo capacities compare?

Surprisingly, the Acura RDX lists a greater capacity at 29.5 cu ft, while the Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft. This discrepancy suggests the RDX figure likely reflects maximum capacity with rear seats folded, whereas the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft might be the figure measured behind the third row.

What transmission differences might affect driving feel?

The Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic, whereas the RDX steps up to a 10-speed shiftable automatic. Buyers looking for more gear engagement and potentially smoother highway cruising might favor the Acura's extra ratios.